official start time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "official start time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the designated or formally recognized time at which an event is scheduled to begin. Example: "The official start time for the conference is 9:00 AM sharp."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In all, three balls were bowled before the official start time of 11am.

The Guardian - Sport

There was a certain amount of rehearsal before the official start time, and then Nairne started shushing everyone and listened to his radio.

The Guardian

It was an hour after the official start time when a montage of news clips about the affair heralded the appearance of the man who boasts of having carnal knowledge of Sachs's granddaughter.

Independent

Wary government inspectors watched for sales occurring before the official start time of 6 p.m. Jose Ramón Murgado, 40, a member of the farmers union, said the government had introduced too much chaos into the system.

The New York Times

At 6 a.m., the official start time, he was suddenly everywhere in his plastic clogs, speed-walking from the trawl nets to the winches, kneeling on the fiberglass deck of the Kristy Misty, which he built and named after his daughters, and finally lowering the skimmer nets, one on each side of the boat, into the water.

The New York Times

On Wednesday and Thursday nights, with the getting possible, the line formed early, and it was long; in fact, just 15 minutes after the official start time, 6 p.m., organizers told 100 people standing in a line that stretched almost to the ice rink that the garden was already at capacity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The change in official start times should help ease audiences' DVR troubles.

Huffington Post

In our experiment, however we required all players to participate simultaneously a problem that is solved in physical labs by announcing official start times and supervising experiments with trained proctors.

Plosone

At the official starting time for the Jay-Z concert Thursday night, the Barclays Center in Brooklyn was more than half empty.

The New York Times

When the vote finally took place on Saturday, most polling stations did not open until four hours after the official starting time, civil society groups reported.

The New York Times

She told me about colleagues who routinely arrived 15 minutes before their official work start time of 9am so they could accumulate TOIL and over the course of a year earn an extra week or more of holiday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "official start time", ensure clarity by specifying the corresponding time zone to avoid ambiguity, especially in contexts involving participants from different geographic locations.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone shares your time zone. Always include a time zone indicator (e.g., EST, PST, GMT) when specifying the "official start time" to ensure global clarity and prevent missed deadlines.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "official start time" functions as a noun phrase that designates the precise moment when an event or activity is scheduled to begin. As Ludwig AI highlights, this term is used to clearly define the commencement, eliminating ambiguity. It is commonly found in contexts requiring formal communication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "official start time" is a noun phrase used to clearly indicate the precise and formally recognized beginning of an event or activity. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and effectively conveys a specific commencement time. Its usage is most common in news and media, with a register ranging from neutral to formal. To ensure clarity, especially in diverse contexts, specifying the time zone is crucial. Alternatives include "scheduled launch" and "formal commencement". Remember to avoid ambiguity by always including the time zone when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designated kickoff

Suggests a specific, appointed time for the start of an activity, often in sports or projects.

fixed starting point

Focuses on the immutability and definiteness of the start.

scheduled launch

Emphasizes the planned and timed beginning of something, like a product or campaign.

agreed-upon beginning

Highlights the consensus or mutual decision regarding the start.

stipulated commencement time

Emphasizes a formal requirement or condition regarding the starting time.

formal commencement

Highlights the ceremonial or official nature of the beginning.

set initiation time

Highlights the act of beginning or introducing something at a specific time.

established opening

Focuses on the creation or setting up of a beginning.

stated opening bell

Similar to "official start time", but uses a metaphorical comparison to opening events like the opening bell in stock trading.

prescribed hour

Implies that the starting time is mandated or required.

FAQs

How can I use "official start time" in a sentence?

You can use "official start time" to specify the precise beginning of an event. For example, "The "official start time" for the conference is 9:00 AM sharp."

What phrases are similar to "official start time"?

Alternatives include "scheduled launch", "formal commencement", or "designated kickoff", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of the beginning.

Is it necessary to specify the time zone with the "official start time"?

Yes, specifying the time zone (e.g., EST, PST, GMT) is crucial to avoid confusion, especially when participants are in different locations. Omitting it can lead to misinterpretations and missed events.

What is the difference between "official start time" and "start time"?

"Official start time" implies a formally recognized or designated beginning. "Start time" is more general and can refer to any beginning, whether formal or informal.